If the power goes out, how can you keep the food in your fridge cold?

1. 89

   ThePracticalMommyposted 11 years ago

   If the power goes out, how can you keep the food in your fridge cold?
   
   Besides keeping the door to the refrigerator closed, is there anything else that can be done to keep the food cold for the longest possible amount of time?

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2. 80

   EuroCafeAuLaitposted 11 years ago

   Like you mentioned, the door needs to stay shut to keep the cool air inside.  Eventually you will need to find a alternative location.  For me that was the shadiest room in the house in a cool window.  Milk, eggs, butter and other highly sensitive foods should be given top priority.  Meat can be cooked or given to neighbors until the problem has been resolved.

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3. 0

   bobbyandbeansposted 11 years ago

   I would move the important things to the freezer.  Since it's colder than the fridge, it will stay cooler longer even after the power goes out.

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4. 90

   The Dirt Farmerposted 11 years ago

   Along with keeping the door shut, I've read that, if you think the power is going to go, like it probably will at least for a bit during the next few days, you should place milk jugs or other containers of frozen water in the freezer to help keep the temperature down.

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      Novel Treasureposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I have also heard that. Then if it is a prolonged period you can use the water (assuming you used distilled) for personal use.

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   2. 90

      The Dirt Farmerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hadn't thought of that aspect of it, Novel Treasure. Good idea! The last time we lost power, not having water (our well pump is electric) was the worst! I've already filled the tub with water to have some on hand for general (non-drinking) use.

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5. 79

   joanwzposted 11 years ago

   If you keep the door closed, the food should be fine for a day or two and items in the freezer can last up to a week before being thawed to the point where need to use them or lose them. Otherwise move things to an ice chest and keep them iced down.

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6. 85

   DzyMsLizzyposted 11 years ago

   If you know in advance (such as a utility company notice of work on the lines), or suspect (in the case of a forecasted storm), that you may lose power, I would go get some dry ice and put that on the top shelf in the 'fridge, (cold sinks, and will keep what's below it cold), and some in the freezer as well.
   
   Frozen jugs of water, as "The Dirt Farmer" has suggested are also a good idea, and can be used in conjunction with the dry ice. 
   Be very careful handling dry ice.  You can get a bad frostbite burn if you touch it with bare hands--always use heavy gloves, such as oven mitts or leather garden gloves.  (Be careful what, if anything, you put right next to dry ice:  anything it touches WILL freeze--not a problem in the freezer, but could be in the 'fridge.)
   
   Also, keep your freezer and 'fridge well-stocked; full appliances will keep cold much longer than emptier ones. 
   
   If you live in an area that experiences frequent outages for whatever reason, you'd be well advised to invest in a generator.

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7. 61

   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   Don't open it at all.  If you can plan ahead, have 1/2 gallon milk cartons filled and frozen.  Open the fridge once, tuck a few of those in there and it will prolong the cold.

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8. 59

   Goody5posted 11 years ago

   That would all depend on how long the powers out for. For short periods of time leaving the door closed with dry ice in it will help a lot. For long periods of time, like when after hurricane Isabelle slammed into the East coast requires a gas powered generator to make it through the tough times. Keep on hubbing 

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9. 79

   Mitch Alanposted 11 years ago

   Cook any thawed meats as they will last longer that way...and then follow the other tips given here.

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10. 60

    AppliedVisualposted 11 years ago

    DzyMsLizzy has the best solution I think. Dry ice should work wonders. But if you suspect the power will go out ice and charcoal should be on your list as you head to the store. The ice can be used in the many ways suggested here and the charcoal is to throw some of that meat on the grill if need be. There's nothing like a BBQ when you're waiting for power to come back on.

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11. 88

    JillKostowposted 11 years ago

    A power outage can threaten the safety of our perishable foods especially if the power is out for a long period of time.  There are simple steps you can take to help preserve your food and to help keep your refrigerator cold and your frozen goods frozen.  By following these tips you can lessen the amount of spoiled food you have to throw away. read more

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12. 80

    nanderson500posted 11 years ago

    Keeping the door shut as much as possible should do the trick.

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13. 60

    TempusFugitposted 11 years ago

    Only open it for brief periods of time if at all. Switch to canned and dry goods while the power is out. Run a generator and or switch to solar power for an hour a day.
    
    Set a goal to be able to live for 1 week without the fridge and practice it. Extend your goal to a month and so one. My personal goal of one year of dried food was reached and because of this I sleep a bit better at night.

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14. 91

    Sherry Hewinsposted 11 years ago

    If you have snow (which is often the case when the power goes out at my house) fill large pots with snow and put them in the fridge with the food. Things like meat and milk that I want to keep really cold, I put outside in the snow.

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